Four hours in Leicester

In just 240 minutes Jason and Sekai from ‘jumpintothemap’ on Instagram managed to explore some of Leicester’s historic treasures. Over to them for a quick round-up of their time here.

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Leicester is the county town of Leicestershire and a city and unitary authority region in the East Midlands of England. The city is located on the Soar River, at the National Forest's eastern edge.

Leicester is one of England's oldest cities, having a history that dates back at least two millennia. So of course Leicester offers the perfect day trip!

Here is our four hour walking itinerary to explore the amazing city of Leicester and absorb its rich history and culture.

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Haymarket Memorial Clock Tour

The Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower is a well-known landmark in Leicester and a popular gathering spot. It is about in the centre of the ring-road region, and it's at the crossroads of five major streets.

Duration spent at the location: 15 minutes

Leicester Market

With approximately 270 stalls, Leicester Market is located on Market Place, immediately south of the clock tower. There is a wide range of products available, from fruits and vegetables to clothing and used books. We had a great time exploring and got lost in the different stalls.

Duration spent at the location: 30 minutes

Grand Hotel

From 1897 to 1898, Amos Hall and Cecil Ogden constructed the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel, which is located on Granby Street, boasts stunning architecture. 

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Duration spent at the location: 10 minutes

Magazine Gateway

The Magazine Gateway, which was completed in 1410, is one of Leicester's most popular tourist sites. Although it never had doors, it originally served as an entryway to Leicester Castle. The Gateway was built primarily for ceremonial purposes and to wow visitors to the city - and it still does!

Duration spent at the location: 10 minutes

The Guildhall

The Guildhall in Leicester is a timber-framed structure whose oldest portion dates from around 1390. The Guildhall used to be the Town Hall, but it has since been turned into an educational museum.

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Duration spent at the location: 30 minutes

Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Cathedral is England's fourth-tiniest Anglican cathedral. This cathedral, dedicated to St Martin, has a spacious nave and chancel, as well as two chance chapels and a 220-foot-tall spire.

Duration spent at the location: 20 minutes

Church of Mary de Castro

The historic church of St. Mary de Castro is located near Leicester Castle. Henry I of England seized the estates and fortress from a rebellious owner in 1107 and handed them over. The area is very scenic and peaceful.

Duration spent at the location: 20 minutes

St Nicholas’ Church

The oldest place of worship in Leicester is St Nicholas Church, an Anglican parish church.

Duration spent at the location: 20 minutes

All the sights were in easy walking distance of each other.

Food

We then had lunch while sitting alongside the River Soar - this was such a lovely scenic lunch which was very peaceful and involved lots of eating!

Duration spent at the location: 60 minutes

Transport

We travelled to Leicester by coach, which cost us £12 each for a return ticket. The journey was approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from London Victoria.

Cost

In total we spent £25 per person for this memorable day trip

We definitely will be going back to Leicester to explore the city more!